Fintech Association Of Kenya’s Post

Vodacom Group Ltd and Orange SA are exploring a strategic partnership to enhance connectivity across Africa, focusing on reducing costs and improving rural access. The collaboration targets infrastructure deals in shared markets like Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming for infrastructure sharing and joint rural connectivity improvements. This initiative is crucial as Africa’s Internet user base is projected to grow by 51.79%, reaching 1.1 billion users by 2029. With rural internet usage at just 23% as of 2023, Vodacom and Orange's partnership aims to bridge the digital divide. "Our goal is to alleviate rollout costs and enhance rural connectivity, addressing communication costs and narrowing the digital gap," stated a Vodacom representative. Both companies see the partnership as a strategic move to capture emerging markets and expand their customer base. Vodacom, operating in seven African countries, boasts 186 million customers, including Safaricom. Meanwhile, Orange SA operates in over ten African countries, serving 298 million customers worldwide. The collaboration will leverage their combined expertise and infrastructure to significantly improve connectivity across the continent, fostering economic growth and digital inclusion. The partnership aligns with previous successful collaborations, such as the Mawezi RDC SA initiative between Orange DRC and Airtel Congo RDC SA, which landed 2Africa submarine cables to enhance broadband access in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As Vodacom reports a 29.1% increase in group service revenue, driven by strong performance in South Africa and Egypt, this new partnership with Orange SA is set to further boost their impact in Africa. #Connectivity #DigitalInclusion #Telecommunications #Vodacom #OrangeSA #Africa #RuralConnectivity #DigitalTransformation #EmergingMarkets #Infrastructure #TelecomPartnership #EconomicGrowth #Innovation #TechInAfrica https://lnkd.in/da44NwZj

AIRTEL GABON and Moov Africa Gabon Telecom join forces to connect 200 underserved villages, as part of Gabon's Universal Service Development Project. This partnership aims to bridge the #digital divide and enhance access to mobile phone and internet services, aligning with Gabon's #digitaltransformation agenda. Led by the telco regulator ARCEP and supported by Gabonese authorities, this initiative signifies a step towards inclusive digital growth. With telecom operators expanding coverage to white zones, thousands of Gabonese stand to benefit, driving #economic and #social development. #DigitalTransformation #Telecommunications #Gabon #DigitalInclusion #Partnership #hakunamatatamedia Source: Techpoint Africa

𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐒𝐌𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 In a significant boost for African representation in global telecommunications, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita and ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru have been elected to the GSMA board for 2025-2026. Tamru's re-election and Mupita's appointment to the 26-member board strengthen Africa's voice in shaping global mobile industry policy. Mupita, leading MTN's 288 million-strong subscriber base across 18 markets, plans to champion Africa's digital inclusion agenda, focusing on closing mobile coverage gaps and promoting climate-smart initiatives. Meanwhile, Tamru brings a valuable perspective from Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation, where Ethio Telecom serves 78.3 million subscribers. Just as the industry is navigating what is potentially a technology revolution — in particular, AI and digital services — their appointments come at a timely moment. Representatives of global telecom giants, including Orange, Vodafone, Airtel, and African leaders, join forces to influence key decisions that will shape the continent's digital future. #Telecommunications #AfricanLeadership #DigitalInclusion #GSMA

Vodacom Group has announced a successful quarter, driven by strategic investments in spectrum and infrastructure across several African markets. The company’s recent upgrades in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, and Tanzania, alongside a 19.7% increase in 4G sites, contributed to a notable 5.7% growth in normalized service revenue, reaching $402 million (R7.4 billion) for the quarter ending in June. Group CEO Shameel Joosub highlighted the impressive growth, particularly in the DRC and Tanzania, where the latter saw strong local currency performance. M-PESA Africa and data revenue also showed robust growth, with increases of 10.9% and 15.5%, respectively. Vodacom’s international customer base grew to 55 million, supported by significant network investment and a 29.6% rise in data traffic. In addition to these advancements, Vodacom is pushing forward with a new daily repayment model to enhance smartphone penetration. The company is also in the process of acquiring a joint control stake in South African fibre operator MAZIV, a move expected to expand fibre reach and foster economic development in South Africa. Joosub’s update underscores Vodacom’s commitment to expanding its network and digital capabilities across Africa, reinforcing its position as a leading telecom provider on the continent. #VodacomGroup #Telecoms #AfricanGrowth #SpectrumInvestment #4GExpansion #DigitalTransformation #MergersAndAcquisitions #EconomicDevelopment #SmartphonePenetration #NetworkInvestment

Africa.Connected: Industry Giants Collaborate for Digital Inclusion. The Africa.Connected campaign, led by leaders from Vodacom, Vodafone, Telecel Ghana (formerly Vodafone Ghana) and Safaricom PLC, represents a unified effort to bridge the digital divide across Africa, a challenge highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative seeks to ensure universal digital access, emphasizing the need for improved network infrastructure, support for government digital initiatives, enhancement of digital literacy, and the promotion of digital adoption among businesses and societies. Leaders like Shameel Joosub, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, Peter Ndegwa C.B.S, Khalil F. Al Americani, Mohale Ralebitso and Sitho Mdlalose underline the campaign's commitment to leveraging digital technology for economic recovery, social development, and digital inclusion across the continent. They highlight the role of public-private partnerships in meeting the investment requirements for widespread internet access, aiming to boost economic value, create jobs, and enhance mobile connectivity. With nearly a billion people in sub-Saharan Africa still disconnected, the campaign addresses the urgency of digitalization for economic growth and the necessity of innovative solutions to connect the unconnected and underserved. Through collaborative efforts, Africa.Connected aims to overcome geographical and economic challenges, fostering a future that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable for all Africans. #AfricaConnected #DigitalInclusionAfrica #BridgingDigitalDivide #UniversalDigitalAccess #InnovateForAfrica #PublicPrivatePartnership Find out More: https://lnkd.in/dvsv_N4f

KENYA TAKES THE LEAD IN AFRICAN TECH WITH NEW MVNO 5G LAUNCH Kenya is making waves in the telecom world by introducing Africa's first MVNO-backed 5G service in partnership with Equitel and Airtel. This exciting development promises faster internet access across 370 locations, including big cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. It's a game-changer for businesses, communities, and individuals hungry for reliable connectivity. With this being Kenya's third 5G rollout, it's clear the country is serious about embracing technology and paving the way for digital progress. As Africa's MVNO market grows, with 7 million subscribers and counting, experts foresee even more innovation and tailored services to meet diverse needs. The Future News #5gtechnology #africa #kenya #news #taffds

🚨 Vodacom’s Silence in Mozambique: A Betrayal of Vodafone’s Core Values? 🚨 In recent weeks, we have witnessed disturbing internet restrictions in Mozambique, imposed by Vodacom during a pivotal time for democratic engagement. This raises serious concerns not only about the immediate impact on citizens but also about the ethical implications for Vodafone as a global leader in telecommunications. Vodafone has consistently championed human rights and digital freedom as fundamental values. Yet, the actions taken by its subsidiary Vodacom seem to contradict these ideals, leaving many to wonder: how can a company dedicated to connectivity and empowerment turn a blind eye to the suppression of voices in Mozambique? Imagine if a similar scenario unfolded on British soil—where citizens are denied access to information during crucial democratic events. The backlash would be immediate and profound. Yet, Mozambicans are left to navigate a digital landscape fraught with restrictions, silencing their right to expression and connection. The African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights guarantees these freedoms, much like the European human rights framework. By complying with governmental demands for internet restrictions, Vodacom not only undermines its own stated values but also risks damaging Vodafone’s reputation globally. As professionals and advocates for corporate responsibility, we must call for transparency and accountability from Vodafone and its subsidiaries. It is time for them to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms they claim to support. Connectivity is not just a service; it is a lifeline for empowerment and social progress. Let us stand together to demand that Vodafone and Vodacom act in accordance with their values and restore digital freedoms in Mozambique. #HumanRights #DigitalFreedom #CorporateResponsibility #Vodafone #Mozambique Margherita Della Valle Shameel Joosub Simon Karikari Hatem Dowidar @Jean-François van Boxmeer Vodafone Vodafone Foundation Vodacom

Vodacom Central Region, encompassing Free State and Northern Cape, is investing over R400 million this financial year into the region’s network to increase capacity and resilience and accelerate access to connectivity throughout the province, particularly in deep rural areas. “We are investing heavily in the network in Free State and Northern Cape to achieve our goal of building an inclusive digital society. Our goal is to give our customers access to a superior network, and we do this by adding new sites and upgrading our network. We intend to use this network rollout and deployment to help every community we serve to be part of the Digital Era and reap the rewards of digitalisation. Many of the communities in the region had access to the internet for the first time thanks to our network expansion effort last year. To improve access, we aim to build on this accomplishment this financial year by expanding broadband coverage and funding network improvements,” says Tsatsi Mthimunye, Managing Executive, Vodacom Central region. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dipEcy77

Vodacom is investing over R800 million this financial year on building new network sites, modernising its mobile networks, full-fibre broadband rollout and energy projects to accelerate broadband connectivity and provide customers with excellent service in the KwaZulu-Natal region. Critically, and to bridge the digital divide in remote areas of the province, the region will deploy new sites in deep rural areas of the province that never had connectivity before. Imran Khan, Managing Executive, of Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region commented, “We are making a significant investment in the network in KwaZulu-Natal to achieve our goal of building an inclusive digital society. Our goal is to give our customers an excellent network experience by increasing the availability of reliable and high-quality connectivity by adding new sites and upgrading our network. Importantly, we have set aside resources to roll out 130 new sites in deep rural areas in Ugu, Umhlabuyalingana, Abaqulusi and Edumbe local municipalities. It is no longer acceptable for deep rural residents to observe the digital revolution from the sidelines; they must participate in it and benefit from the associated socio-economic benefits.” Read more on the KZN plans here: https://lnkd.in/dTT2JGyv

Vodacom Eyes Partnership with Orange for Cost Reduction in Africa. Vodacom is in discussions with France’s Orange about forming a strategic partnership in Africa to explore infrastructure deals aimed at reducing costs. The talks are focused on potential agreements in overlapping markets, including Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as other opportunities for collaboration. The companies are considering sharing infrastructure and jointly building connectivity in rural areas. Although no final decisions have been made, Vodacom is also in talks with other service providers in its operating regions. Vodacom confirmed it is exploring partnerships to alleviate rollout costs and improve rural connectivity, addressing the cost of communication and narrowing the digital divide. A representative for Vodacom stated in an emailed statement to Bloomberg that the company is exploring partnerships with other mobile operators and financial investors in the countries where it operates. Orange has not commented on the discussions. Both companies aim to capitalize on Africa's growing market, driven by young, tech-savvy users. However, expanding infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is costly, and joint ventures could help mitigate these financial challenges. #Vodacom #OrangeSA #TelecomPartnership #AfricaInfrastructure #DigitalDivide #Connectivity #TechGrowth #RuralDevelopment #TelecomIndustry